As a new regime is installed, former Louisville receiver Braden Smith is ready to turn the page, committing to the University of Cincinnati. Smith will hope to rekindle the terrific form he showcased in his freshman season of 2020 with the Bearcats.
Braden Smith Transfers to Cincinnati
Smith broke out in 2020, his true freshman season with the Cardinals. He hauled in 27 receptions for 370 yards and proved he had the skillset to dominate from the inside.
However, the touches didn’t quite match his debut season in subsequent years at Louisville, and Smith opted for the transfer portal when Scott Satterfield left the program in favor of Jeff Brohm.
Now, the decision to transfer has become clearer, and it was apparent Satterfield wanted Smith to stay in his offense as he’s followed his former head coach to the Queen City.
MORE: College Football Transfer Portal Tracker
Smith teams up with a handful of former Louisville players who have made the journey northeast to Cincinnati. Fellow wide receiver Dee Wiggins pledged his allegiance to Satterfield and Cincinnati in January, while offensive lineman Luke Kandra was quick to jump ship when the original portal window opened.
It will certainly be a new-look offense and new-look program for Cincinnati this fall as Emory Jones transfers in from Arizona State to take over signal-calling duties. The roster has been completely revamped through the portal with Satterfield taking over for former head coach Luke Fickell, and Smith is just another piece of the puzzle that is still being built.
A burner with speed to beat any defender, Smith’s a dominant slot weapon and a great receiver to target as a first-read option. He can get open quickly and knows a thing or two about Power Five football. His veteran leadership will surely be counted on at Cincinnati.
Smith Quick Facts
- Class: Senior
- Height: 5’10”
- Weight: 185
- Hometown: Flowood, MS
- Career receptions: 59
- Career receiving yards: 653
- Career average yards per catch: 11.1
- Career receiving touchdowns: 2
